American and Iraqi forces kill 15 IS leaders in Anbar desert raid

American armed forces, supported by Iraqi commandos, conducted an operation against the Islamic State (IS) group in Iraq. The action resulted in the death of 15 individuals, recognized as IS fighters and leaders, reports the US Central Command (CENTCOM).

The operation was carried out early in the morning on 29 August in the Anbar desert, in western Iraq. According to CENTCOM sources, the attackers were armed with "numerous weapons, grenades, and explosive 'suicide' belts".

Among those eliminated were also key leaders of the IS group, with no civilian casualties recorded.

Meanwhile, Iraqi authorities reported the attack but omitted the involvement of American forces. According to CENTCOM, the attack aimed to "disrupt and degrade ISIS' ability to plan, organize, and conduct attacks against Iraqi civilians, as well as U.S. citizens, allies, and partners throughout the region and beyond."

The Associated Press agency recalls that after retaking territories controlled by IS in Iraq and Syria, American forces have not ceased actions against remnants of the group in the Middle East. It is worth noting that the number of casualties in the latest attack was exceptionally high. Questions arise as to why the Americans admitted their involvement in the operation only after a few days.

The so-called Islamic State, at its peak, controlled an area in Iraq and Syria equal to half the size of New Brunswick, applying an extreme interpretation of Islam and draconian punishments for "infidels," as well as some Muslims considered apostates.

A coalition of over 80 countries led by the USA led to the defeat of the extremists, who still operate in smaller groups in the region.